The Swarm's history is rather obscure. No written accounts exist explaining its origin. This lack of hard knowledge adds to the mystique and fear associated with this mercenary unit. The most notable trait of the Swarm is it's total lack of regard for any 'mech other than the Locust. To emphasize this point, in the Taurian Concordat ,the Swarm is referred to as "the Cult of the Locust".

Losust Pilots enter combat with only one goal in mind, to completely destroy the target designated by the Swarm Master. (The destruction of the opposing mech is known as a "feast") Decrypted radio transmissions reveal that they rarely communicate with each other, instead continuous taunts are issued to their prey.

The Swarm (as of 3026) has been closely assocated with the mercenary unit The Bloody Clans . It is rumored that the Swarm and The Bloody Clans began their association while in the employ of the Cappellan Confederation in 3025, during a tactical briefing. The following has been verified by Comstar source:

The Swarm is a Battalion sized unit comprized of four re-enforced mech companies and one re-enforced aerospace wing. The Mechs in the TO&E are comprised entirely of Locusts, all varients are represented. The Aerospace wing is comprised of F-10 Cheetahs, in keeping with the utilization of extremely light, fast forces.

The Swarm represents more a culture than a military unit. Members (and their families) are assigned to each asset. Children are trained and assigned as techs for each mech/fighter. Children as young as twelve years old have been observed performing all but the heaviest maintenance tasks.

The Swarm is highly nomadic, seeming to have no permanent base of operations. Desert and arid planets seem to be preferred by this unit. Upon examination this would appear to make sense logistically and defensively. By relying on a dry, hot climate these mech warriors are able to use light, easily moved shelter, and the heat is a handicap to any attacking unit relying on heavier mechs.

The members of the Swarm behave much like a tribe, in that The Master Locust Pilot represents a shaman type of leadership. This social/religious structure is carried to the point that there are only four ranks within the Swarm warrior caste:

Master Locust Pilot:
The head of the entire Swarm holding.

Locust Pilot:
There is no rank above this. All accomplished mech warriors will rise to this rank. (If they survive combat.)

Apprentice Locust Pilot:
A mech warrior of this rank has not finished tactical training, but may be involved in active operations.

Acolyte Locust Pilot:
A mech warrior that is still receiving religious training will carry this title. At the final stages of training an Acolyte will be seen in battle.

  Swarm Master:
While not a true rank, any single Locust Pilot in a given lance may wear this title in the absence of The Master Locust Pilot. This mech warrior will assume the direction and
execution of tactics for the unit.

Temple of the Swarm

The Com-Star Wanted Files

Pyron's Hit List

CREDITS:
None of this would have been possible without the help of Rich Myers <Ice> (art and graphics),  Jerry Hassinger <Trag> (hand holding).

The Swarm logos, headers and images copyright 1996,Rich Myers
Locust mech image courtesy of the Internet, modified by Rich Myers

DISCLAIMER:
All references to the FASA game BattleTech remain their property. This page is based on the universe created by Kesmai Corp. and they retain their respective rights. (And all the other legal crap that I'll type soon)

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This page is under constant construction and was last updated on 03-03-02 and also suffers from being saddled with me.<G>
Any comments or suggestions email me at Pyron

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